Transfer news LIVE: Premier League clubs battle for Philippe Coutinho, Newcastle close in on Kieran Trippier
Follow all the latest transfer news and updates from the Premier League and beyond
The January transfer window is open and rumours are swirling around the Premier League and across Europe.
Philippe Coutinho is set to decide between five Premier League clubs battling for his signature as the Brazil star nears an exit from Barcelona and a return to the Premier League. The 29-year-old has struggled since making the move to the Camp Nou and is said to favour a return to England, where he spent five years at Liverpool. Aston Villa are said to be one of those sides involved in the race for the midfielder, according to the Mail, with Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton also linked.
Newcastle appear to be closing in on their first signing of the window after reportedly agreeing a fee with Atletico Madrid for England international right-back Kieran Trippier. The former Tottenham full-back, who joined the Spanish club in 2019, has been keen to move back to England ever since coming close to joining Manchester United last summer. The BBC report that Newcastle have had a bid of £12 million, plus add-ons, accepted for the 31-year-old in what would be club’s first signing under their new owners.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly made their first move for in-demand Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. They say the Gunners have made an opening offer of £58.5m for the 21-year-old, in a deal that would see midfielder Lucas Torreira join the Serie A club on a permanent basis. Arsenal will also listen to offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the window, according to Sky Sports, and it could be that Vlahovic replaces the former captain at the club this January.
Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from the Premier League and around Europe:
Ramsey heading for Juventus exit
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has offered the strongest sign yet that Aaron Ramsey could return to the Premier League this month by saying the Wales midfielder is on his way out of the Serie A club.
Ramsey has been linked with former club Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle while reports on Tuesday said Burnley had seen a formal approach for the 31-year-old turned down by the player.
But his exit from Turin seems increasingly likely during January, something that Allegri appeared to confirm in a press conference on Wednesday.
“Aaron Ramsey returned today after his leave to work in England, but he is an outgoing player,” Allegri said.
Chelsea line up move for Monaco star Tchouameni
Chelsea remain interested in 21-year-old Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouamen, according to Goal, and will consider making a move in the next two windows.
The Blues were linked with a move for the France international in the summer as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
The loan signing of Saul Niguez has not been a success, while Declan Rice also remains a long-time target, but Chelsea see adding wing-back cover as their main priority in January.
Barcelona believe they can sign Erling Haaland next summer, despite the financial troubles at the club.
That’s according to Marca, who report that president Joan Laporta has stated that Barcelona will compete for Haaland’s signature next summer.
A host of Europe’s top clubs, including Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, have also been linked with the Dortmund striker.
Spurs, Arsenal face competition for Kulusevski
Tottenham and Arsenal face competition from Sevilla for Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski, according to Calciomercato.
The Sweden international has been frustrated by a lack of game time at the Serie A club and both Spurs and Arsenal have been linked with the 21-year-old.
They have been joined in the race by Sevilla, however, who are said to be offering Kulusevski regular game time at the club in a loan deal.
Juventus reportedly do not want to sell Kulusevski, who they value at around £30 million.
Transfer news live - Done deal!
In case you missed it, Wolves have completed the signing of Japanese international midfielder Hayao Kawabe on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Kawabe, 26, has been signed from Switzerland side Grasshoppers, where he will return for the rest of the season.
Wolves technical director Scott Sellars said: “Naturally, Hayao is a player we’ve watched a lot and he’s done really well this season.
“He’s an attacking midfield player, very energetic, very busy, and has good quality. He’s really shone at Grasshoppers this year, and he’s one of the main reasons they’re doing so well.
“Due to the criteria for signing international players, Hayao is a player who is eligible to sign for a British club this month, but may not be in the future, which is why we’ve moved now to confirm his signing.
“Hayao will spend January with Bruno’s group while the Swiss Super League is on a winter break, then he’ll likely return to Grasshoppers to finish the season there, as he has been an important player for them so far this season.”
Premier League clubs battle for Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho is set to decide between five Premier League clubs battling for his signature as the Brazil star nears an exit from Barcelona and a return to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has struggled since making the move to the Camp Nou and is said to favour a return to England, where he spent five years at Liverpool. Barca are willing to let their record signing leave on loan in order to help their financial situation, with the club unable to register former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres until there are further outgoings.
Aston Villa are said to be one of those sides involved in the race for Coutinho, according to the Mail, with Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Everton also linked.
Villa manager Steven Gerrard is a former teammate of Coutinho from his Liverpool days, and the next step could be crucial for the Brazilian as he looks to relaunch his career.
PSG emerge as option for Barca’s Dembele
PSG are interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Dembele has so far rejected Barcelona’s offers of a new contract at the Camp Nou, leaving the club with no option but to sell the 24-year-old before he leaves as a free agent.
Newcastle have also been linked with the France international, but PSG have also now stepped up their interest and are monitoring the situation closely.
Newcastle eye Sevilla’s Carlos as Botman alternative
Newcastle are monitoring Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos as an alternative to Lille defender Sven Botman.
The Telegraph report that Sevilla would demand a fee upwards of £30m for the Brazilian, who has been in impressive form this season.
Newcastle were dealt a blow after Lille refused to sell their top target Botman, the highly rated Netherlands international, this January.
Eddie Howe has made signing a top centre-back his number one priority this transfer window.
Transfer news live - Done deal!
In case you missed it, Brighton have confirmed the singing of 18-year-old Poland international midfielder Kacper Kozlowski on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Kozlowski, who arrives from Polish side Pogon Szczecin, made history in the summer when he became the youngest player to make an appearance at a European Championships.
Brighton manager Graham Potter said: “His style of play suits us and our style. During my time here, we have done very well in recruiting players for the future and Kacper is a similar signing.
“He will initially head out on loan, as it is important for him to continue his development, and he is keen to continue playing regularly.
“We will be watching with interest, as he is a very exciting young talent and a player I am really looking forward to working with in the future.”
Guardiola could accept Laporte departure
Manchester City could allow defender Aymeric Laporte to join Barcelona next summer - as long as Pep Guardiola gets midfielder Frenkie de Jong in return.
That’s according to a report in El National - who say that although City would want to keep Laporte amid interest from Barcelona, Guardiola would love to work with De Jong.
The Netherlands midfielder, who moved to the Nou Camp in 2019, has a long-term deal at the club but Barcelona would be prepared to let him go following the emergence of talented youngsters Pedri and Gavi.
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